School Dress Codes and Uniform Policies
Touchstone 3.1: Construct a Rogerian Argument
ASSIGNMENT: As you learned in this unit, a Rogerian argument is one that presents two sides of a debate and argues for a solution that will satisfy both sides. Given two articles presenting opposing sides of an issue (mandatory uniforms in schools), construct your own 2-3 page Rogerian argument essay in which you attempt to arrive at a workable solution or "middle ground."
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0, and you will be given one attempt to redo the Touchstone.
Article 1: "School Dress Codes and Uniform Policies"
Article 2: "Dressing Diversity: Politics of Difference and the Case of School Uniforms"
Sample Touchstone
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
1. Summary of Positions
❒ Have you briefly introduced the author and publication context (year, journal, etc.) of Article 1?
❒ Have you included a summary of the stance presented in Article 1?
❒ Have you briefly introduced the author and publication context (year, journal, etc.) of Article 2?
❒ Have you included a summary of the stance presented Article 2?
2. Thesis/Claim
❒ Does you claim address both sides of the issue, including specific points raised in the articles?
❒ Does your claim present a clear, workable solution that could be viewed as a "middle ground" between the two sides?
3. Analysis
❒ Have you backed up your claim using facts from both sides of the argument?
❒ When using direct quotations, have you supplemented them with your own explanation of their relevance?
4. Reflection
❒ Have you answered all reflection questions thoughtfully and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?
❒ Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?
B. Reflection
DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
How does the Rogerian model of argument help you better understand the topic that’s being discussed? Why is it a good practice to acknowledge both sides of the argument? (3-4 sentences)
Will you use the Rogerian Approach in your own argumentative essay? Why or why not? (2-3 sentences)
School Dress Codes and Uniform Policies
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
Date
Various schools have different regulations concerning the school dress codes. Some schools have strict rules on wearing school uniforms, while others allow them to be in their civilian clothes. Analysts discussed the importance of having or not having this school policy, including the advantages and disadvantages of complying with such regulations. The arguments continue up to the present, but a middle ground is essential to establish an excellent policy that meets the needs of those who are pro and against school uniforms. The suggested common ground is to alternate school uniforms with civilian or freestyle clothes while following a strict dress code based on the setting.
Deane (2015) wrote about this argument in a paper entitled, “Dressing Diversity: Politics of Difference and the Case of School Uniforms,” published by The Loyola University Chicago. The author argued that school uniforms, particularly in public schools, encourage the students to disregard their differences, thereby disregarding social justice, which is the primary reason why some schools advocate for uniformity in terms of clothes in school. Another author, Wendell Anderson, published a paper in 2002 entitled, School Dress Codes and Uniform Policies, which argues that school uniforms are essential in maintaining order in the classroom. Moreover, the author discussed the parents’ differences in opinions to the administrators and characterized the history of school uniforms (Anderson, 2002).
Both articles presented vital points that need to be addressed. Deane (2015) spoke of the importance of removing the use of school uniforms. Contrary to the belief that this will reduce socioeconomic differences, increase academic performance, and reduce some students’ unsettling behavior, Deane (2015) believes that the mandate does not truly address any of these. However, it widens the gap further, leading to a more unjust society. This is because wearing school uniforms highlights the differences in socioeconomic statuses, where the poor cannot afford new and changing uniform designs, while the rich can follow the policy quickly. Moreover, this shows social injustice by emphasizing the color differences, such that some designs are better suited to a fairer skin color (Deane, 2015).